Sonic the Hedgehogfans have spent quite a few years and have plenty of memorable moments starring their favorite blue blur over the 32 years that the character has been around. However, which version of the iconic character they’ve spent the most time with depends on the fan. Since 1998, there have been two different iterations of Sega’s mascot that have gotten the spotlight, and as of theremaster candidateSonic Generations, these two designs have been recognized as the original Classic Sonic, whereas the green-eyed, slender, and frequently used one is Modern Sonic.
Sonic Generationswas a celebratory title for both the series and Sonic himself as the game took place on his birthday. Ever since, it’s been understood inSonic the Hedgehoglore that Classic Sonic is Modern Sonic as a child. While the backstory to Classic Sonic existing in canon outside of being a redesign is welcomed, Sega hasn’t paid this detail much attention since it was introduced into the series. Instead, following the poor sales ofSonic Forces, Modern and Classic have been pushed farther and farther away from each other, and that’s not always a good thing.
RELATED:Sonic Frontiers DLC Story Spoilers Leak Online
Why Giving Modern and Classic Sonic Different Identities is Good
BeforeSonic Generations, many fans yearned for more 2DSonicgames, and even Classic Sonic himself as the redesign of the character used inSonic Adventurewould replace him in many appearances for a decade. Some would look over at games such asNew Super Mario Bros. WiiandSuper Mario Galaxyand wonder why there couldn’t be 2D games starring Classic Sonic released alongside 3D games.
After years ofSonicfans wishing that the series took different notes fromMariothan it already did, this dream has officially been realized as Sega currently plans torelease 2D and 3DSonicgamesside by side for the time being. While this marketing strategy started properly with the compilation titleSonic Origins, new games starring the Classic Sonic cast are being made - likeSonic Superstars -while the 3D games are also in development. Old characters that haven’t been used properly in decades such as Fang are also an incredibly welcome surprise of this arrangement.
How Modern and Classic Sonic Are Limiting the Franchise
Both iterations of Sonic getting their due is great, but the way that the franchise at large has adjusted to separating Modern and Classic Sonic isn’t the best in the long run. For instance, despiteGenerationsmaking it very clear that Classic Sonic was a younger Modern Sonic, Sega seems to force a mandate on any flashbacks in theSoniccomics and even theSonic PrimeTV showthat if it stars Modern Sonic, then he has to have the green eyes at all times at the very least. It’s confusing, and many fans don’t understand the insistence after whatSonic Generationsestablished.
Sega aim to keep the two hedgehogs apart doesn’t stop there, either. WhileSonic Mania Plus’inclusion of Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel was a great surprise after they hadn’t been used for over twenty years, yet another rule was set up as a result of their inclusion. It seems that now, all the supporting cast members are locked to the particular version of Sonic they’re associated with. For instance, while it makes sense that he wouldn’t be included in any Classic-style titles, many fans were disappointed to find outShadow the Hedgehog won’t be inSonic Superstarsat all due to his status as a Modern Sonic cast member.
Starting withSonic Frontiers' interconnected universe, the franchise is taking rather lengthy strides toward stabilizing itself, and this is part of this initiative. However, it can be said that what’s been established with Modern and Classic Sonic could easily stay without this prominent divide between both casts and characters. It’s great that both the 2D and 3D styles can exist peacefully, but these limitations will only hold the series back in the end.
Sonic Superstarswill release in Fall 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Fall 2023 Might See Sonic and Mario Battle It Out Once Again
